can’t sing when
I’m crying!!”
“The reviews
will call this
an emotional
performance.”
“I wish I hadn’t
blown my big
chance.”
Embarrassed
Sad
Angry
The Brain, the Body
& Butterflies
When something happens around you or to you,
your brain receives the message and tells your
body systems how to react—sometimes before
you even realize it. (That’s where those butterflies
in your stomach come from.) Your brain works with
the rest of your body as a team to help you deal
with your emotions.
Brain Power
Your brain takes your feelings and makes them physical.
Your brain is in charge of everything you do, from your
breathing to how you feel at any point in time. Things like
movies or bad dreams aren’t exciting or scary unless your
brain decides they are. It gets input from everything you see,
hear, feel, taste, and smell, and it responds quickly to tell your
body how to react.
In fact, just about every emotion you have is connected
to some reaction in your body. You may blush when you’re
embarrassed, cry when you’re sad, and jump when you’re
startled.
When I get blamed for things my little sister does, it
makes me so mad that I burst into tears! After a while
I cool off. Then I sit down with my parents and talk
about what happened, and usually someone apologizes.
Marta, Oregon
Sweaty Palms and
Knocking Knees
When other parts of your body get the message that
your brain is sending, they burst into action!
Tightening Up
When you feel tense, your muscles can
get tight. You might clench your teeth,
hunch up your shoulders, squint your
eyes, or hold your hands in tight fists.
Feeling Butterflies
When you are stressed, your body pro-
duces chemicals that can make you feel
shaky or weak. It may feel like someone
is using your stomach for a trampoline.
Some people call this “having the jitters”
or “having butterflies in your stomach.”
Sweating It
When your emotions run strong, your
forehead, armpits, hands—even the
insides of your elbows—might sweat.
Knocking Knees
When you get nervous, your kneecaps
may bounce up and down, especially if
you’re standing up. When you sit, your
whole leg might bounce!
Blushing Beauty
You may get red in the face when
your moods run high, especially if
you’re fair-skinned. But anyone’s face
can feel hot in reaction to strong
emotions, even if it doesn’t turn a
few shades of red.
Casting a Dizzy Spell
Breathing too quickly can pump too
much oxygen to your brain. Not
breathing often enough can pump
too little. Either one can leave you
feeling dizzy or faint.
When you experience one of these
physical reactions, don’t freak out.
It’s normal. And it shouldn’t stop
you from trying new things, whether
you’re giving a speech, dancing in
public, or saying hi to that new girl
in class (imagine the emotions she
must be feeling!).
Ka-THUMP! Ka-THUMP!
Has
